Endometriosis Health Navigation in Ontario

What is a health navigator?

In Ontario a health navigator is someone who is trained in how to work with the community and provide education and resources to support their health journey.

why work with me

I have spent the last 10 years building a patient community through my advocacy work on social media (@crampmystyleblog), building a network of experts in women’s health, and building a sanctuary that is now known as Femade. What I have come to learn is that while I have spent years learning about how to advocate for my own journey with endometriosis, everyday there are always knew people newly discovering this disease without any guidance or roadmap.

What I can do to help

• Help you understand what your symptoms might be telling you

• Educate you on what endometriosis is, how to receive a diagnosis and what type of specialist you need to see

• Help you prepare for doctor’s appointments including preparing your medical history and questions to ask

• Support you through your journey and your decisions

What I cannot do

I am only human, and sadly not a physician. I cannot…

• Provide you with a diagnosis

• Refer you to a physician

• Provide you with a family care doctor

• Prescribe medications

How to get started

For parents

If your child is struggling with their menstruation but wont open up to you, we offer one on one consultations for you teen. In this session we offer a comfortable environment for your child to discuss their symptoms and challenges so they can be aware of their body, learn how to advocate for themselves and get on the right path for quality of life through these critical years.

Women’s Health Conditions

The following issues may be relevant to your health journey and what we can cover in our consultations.

Menstrual and hormonal issues

We can chat about your menstrual cycles, unfavorable symptoms such as unpredictable cycles, heavy bleeding, clots, back pain and so much more. If you are someone who has already had children or find yourself with a (suspected) diagnosis of endometriosis in your 30s or 40s we can absolutely talk about the impact of the 4 stages in your cycle, the hormonal effects, and how perimenopause may be adding a bit of flare to the mix.

Fertility

If you are finding it hard to conceive, are worried you might have difficulty conceiving, or are looking to conceive with a diagnosis of endometriosis this is the service for you. We can talk about how to navigate both issues, and how to wrap your head around decisions that should not impact others in your life. Learn more about the fertility clinics and how fertility ranks in the priorities of the healthcare system, as well as treatment options that might be offered to you.

Digestive concerns

Your period may bring about some gnarly digestive symptoms such as ‘period poops’ aka diarrhea, perhaps constipation, or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). We can discuss endo belly, IBS, and other comorbidities that affect your bowels. Having digestive issues post excision? We can talk about that too!

Pelvic Pain 

Pelvic pain is not normal! Any amount of pelvic pain - during menstruation or constant - should be monitored and addressed. Let’s talk about the impact of pain, the location of pain, and options for symptom management.

Mental Health

There is no doubt endometriosis and everything that comes with it can affect (and likely will affect) your mental health. The first step is talking about it. While I am not a therapist I can support you and be there to listen. I can also suggest other options for your mental health and provide free and paid options to support your journey.